11 habits to adopt to become a little bit smarter every day

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Have you ever noticed how some people just seem to be getting smarter all the time?

No, they’re not some secret geniuses or wizards. They’re just regular folks, like you and me, who have figured out a few tricks to boost their brainpower.

And the best part? These tricks are simple habits that anyone can adopt.

So, let’s dive into 10 habits that will help you become a little bit smarter each day.

Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite daily routine!

1. Start your day by learning something new

High-achievers have a secret: they never stop learning.

But how do they find the time, you ask?

Simple. They start their day by feeding their brain with something new.

Now, you don’t need to finish an entire textbook before breakfast, but try to learn at least one new thing every morning.

This could be a fun fact, a new word, or even a short news article.

The idea is to kickstart your brain into ‘learning mode’ right from the get-go.

Think of it this way: while everyone else is still snoozing their alarms, you’re already becoming a bit smarter.

2. Incorporate Physical Exercise into Your Routine

Ever heard the saying, “A healthy body leads to a healthy mind”? Well, it’s true!

Regular physical exercise isn’t just good for your body; it’s also great for your brain.

When you exercise, your body releases chemicals that improve your mood and make you feel more relaxed.

But that’s not all. Exercise also helps to improve memory and thinking skills. It’s like a natural brain booster!

So, whether it’s a quick jog around the block, some yoga stretches, or a full-blown workout session, try to get moving every day.

Your brain will thank you for it, trust me! And who knows? You might even start to enjoy it.

3. Practice Mindfulness

I started practicing mindfulness a few years back, and boy, has it made a difference!

Mindfulness is all about being present and paying attention to the here and now. It sounds simple, right? But in our busy lives, we often forget to stop and really focus on what we’re doing.

I started with just 5 minutes of mindfulness a day. In the morning, I would sit quietly and focus on my breath. At first, it was challenging. My mind would wander off to my grocery list or the presentation I had to give at work. But with practice, I got better at it.

And you know what? This simple habit has not only helped me become more focused but also more aware of my thoughts and feelings. It’s like my brain has gotten a new superpower!

So, give mindfulness a go. You might be surprised at how it can help you become a little bit smarter every day.

4. Limit Your Screen Time

In today’s digital age, screens are everywhere. While technology has its benefits, spending too much time in front of screens can actually make us less smart

Studies have shown that excessive screen time can negatively impact our attention span, memory, and cognitive abilities.

Research published in Scientific Reports suggests that watching television for more than 3.5 hours per day could contribute to cognitive decline in over 50s.

So, try to limit your daily screen time. Instead of scrolling through social media or binge-watching your favorite show, consider picking up a book, going for a walk, or even just sitting quietly with your thoughts.

These activities can help your brain relax and recharge, making you a little bit smarter every day!

5. Cultivate Positive Relationships

We often overlook the power of positive relationships when it comes to our intelligence. But believe it or not, the people we surround ourselves with can greatly influence how smart we become.

Think about it. When you’re around people who challenge you, inspire you, and encourage you to think differently, you naturally learn and grow. You get exposed to new ideas, different perspectives, and fresh ways of thinking.

Plus, positive relationships fill our lives with joy, support, and a sense of belonging – all of which are vital for our overall well-being.

So, take some time to nurture your relationships. Connect with those who uplift you and challenge you to be better.

6. Embrace Curiosity

I believe that curiosity is a superpower that keeps the brain young and agile.

When you’re curious, you’re open to exploring new ideas and concepts, asking questions, and seeking answers.

This constant quest for knowledge can help boost your intelligence and make you smarter each day.

I make it a point to question everything around me – why is the sky blue, how does a computer work, or even why my neighbor’s dog barks so much?

I may not find all the answers, but the process of questioning keeps my brain active and engaged.

Be curious, ask questions, seek answers. It might seem like you’re just satisfying your curiosity, but in reality, you’re feeding your brain and becoming a bit smarter every day. 

7. Don’t Fear Failure

We all mess up. We all fall flat on our faces. And you know what? That’s okay.

Failure isn’t your enemy, it’s your teacher. When you fail, you learn what doesn’t work, and that brings you one step closer to finding out what does. Every mistake, every blunder, every ‘oops’ moment is a chance for your brain to grow and learn.

So, don’t shy away from taking risks or stepping outside your comfort zone out of fear of failure. Embrace it. Wear your failures like badges of honor because each one makes you a little bit smarter.

Remember, it’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up and try again. That’s how you truly grow and become smarter every day. 

8. Get Plenty of Sleep

Sleep, glorious sleep! It’s not just for recharging your body; it’s crucial for your brain’s health too.

While we sleep, our brain is busy processing the information we’ve learned during the day.

It’s like your brain’s very own ‘house-keeping’ time. Cutting back on sleep can rob your brain of this essential processing and consolidation time, hindering your ability to learn and remember new things.

Make sure you’re getting enough Z’s. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Not only will you wake up feeling refreshed, but you’ll also be a little bit smarter every day. 

9. Keep a Journal

This is a habit I’ve cultivated over the years, and trust me, it’s been a game-changer. Keeping a daily journal isn’t just about documenting your day or jotting down your thoughts. It’s a powerful tool for learning and self-improvement.

When I write in my journal, I reflect on my day, the decisions I made, the things I learned, and even the mistakes I committed.

This practice of reflection helps me gain insights into my actions and thoughts and allows me to learn from them.

Journaling is like having a conversation with yourself. It helps you understand yourself better, and it gives you clarity.

And the better you understand yourself, the smarter you become in dealing with different situations and challenges.

So grab a notebook and start journaling. It might just become your secret weapon for becoming a little bit smarter every day!

10. Admit When You Don’t Know

Now, this is one of the toughest things to do but also one of the most important. We live in a world where everyone seems to have an opinion about everything. It can be hard to admit when we don’t know something, but it’s crucial for growth.

I’ll be honest: it’s uncomfortable to say, “I don’t know.” But it’s also liberating. It opens up the opportunity to learn, to discover, and to grow. Pretending to know something when you don’t isn’t just dishonest—it blocks your path to learning.

So the next time you find yourself in a situation where you don’t have the answers, own it. Say it out loud: “I don’t know, but I can find out.” This simple phrase is a powerful tool for learning and becoming smarter every day.

11. Never Stop Challenging Yourself

Life is a journey of endless learning—if you let it be. The moment you stop challenging yourself is the moment you stop growing.

To become smarter every day, you must embrace challenges head-on. Whether it’s tackling a difficult project at work, learning a new language, or trying to master a complex recipe, each challenge you take on sharpens your skills and broadens your knowledge.

Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it can be frustrating and feel like an uphill battle. But that’s the point—it’s supposed to be hard. If it was easy, everyone would do it.

So keep pushing yourself. Keep testing your limits. And most importantly, keep learning. Because that’s what will make you a little bit smarter every day!